Anyone got a Lenco 88?

[cafe latte]

Just seem a pic in a mag, I was not aware they even existed and they look quite cool IMO. Anyone compared to a 301?
Regards
CL

[alanomt]

CL, have a look at this completed ebay listing, Item number: 230820788452.

there was also a model 99 with different controls. I had one around 10 years ago, there wasn't much demand for them then and I sold it on for little money, it later found it's way to Japan.

A well made motor unit, under estimated.

Alan

[cafe latte]

I quite fancy one they look rather cool and I am about ready for another turntable project just need to tell the missus
Regards
CL

[cafe latte]

CL, have a look at this completed ebay listing, Item number: 230820788452.

there was also a model 99 with different controls. I had one around 10 years ago, there wasn't much demand for them then and I sold it on for little money, it later found it's way to Japan.

A well made motor unit, under estimated.

Alan

I couldnt make the item number work have you a link?
Regards
CL

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230820788452? ... 26_rdc%3D1


@Alan, shame you didn't keep hold of it, they sell for good money nowadays.

In essence the 88/99 is a sawn off GL70 with strobe markings on the platter. I got in trouble here a while ago for criticising the flimsy chassis (with thumbs on opposite sides of the platter I thought there was bearing play - nope, that's chassis flex!) and, relative to the 124 and 3/401, insubstantial bearing.

All that said, they have a pretty strong following and I've never heard a fettled one in a proper plinth so I don't really have grounds to criticise - I'm just unimpressed with certain aspects of the build quality.



JT

[smeg68]

Here's mine:



Sounds lovely to me. There are certainly areas where the build is not as substantial as the Garrards, namely the flexible top plate but this is overcome by the use of plinths which are built up underneath the top plate and then rigidly connected to it. Once it's mounted in a proper plinth it's every bit as good as a 301/401.

[cafe latte]

That looks VERY cool I am going to have to keep my eyes open for one
What do they normally go for without plinth of course?
Regards
Chris

[smeg68]

From what I've seen, anywhere between £200 and £400 depending on condition. A lot of them will come with a plastic idler wheel which by now will likely have warped and the rubber hardened. Simply replace with a metal idler and retaining arm from a later deck such as a GL75. Note just changing the wheel can be troublesome as there are two different axle sizes for the idler wheels so it's better to change the wheel and arm as a unit.

[cats squirrel]

Hi Chris,
the essential parts of the 88 (and 99) are the same as a 75/8, except for a smaller platter, so sonically, disregarding the arm, they will sound the same. People have compared the 88/99 to 301/401/td124 with very favourable results, swings and roundabouts, really.

UK ebay prices are about £200 to £300, but don't come up too often, and condition is variable.

I have a G99, from ebay, about 5 years ago, for around £100, with a five hole idler, everything else perfect. The flexible pan has to be dealt with, I used [ brackets, three of them, and four stud rods on the periphery.

If you want one for the sonic benefits, I would recommend changing a 75, or similar. If for the looks, its a lot of money!

[cafe latte]

Hi Chris,
the essential parts of the 88 (and 99) are the same as a 75/8, except for a smaller platter, so sonically, disregarding the arm, they will sound the same. People have compared the 88/99 to 301/401/td124 with very favourable results, swings and roundabouts, really.

UK ebay prices are about £200 to £300, but don't come up too often, and condition is variable.

I have a G99, from ebay, about 5 years ago, for around £100, with a five hole idler, everything else perfect. The flexible pan has to be dealt with, I used [ brackets, three of them, and four stud rods on the periphery.

If you want one for the sonic benefits, I would recommend changing a 75, or similar. If for the looks, its a lot of money!

Hmm something to think about.. I was never fussed about the 75s arm though. Maybe I just wait and see what comes up at the right price.
Regards
Chris

[Boukman]

I have a GL88, in a Russell Collins plinth with a Lenco750 12" arm. Standing next to a 301 with an SME 3012 also in a Russell Collins plinth.

The 301 sounds somewhat better (maybe the phono input in the amp for the 301, whereas I use V-LPS for the GL88 - and might be the difference in arms) and looks better (definitely more solid - the GL top plate is more flimsy and the plastic front has no comparison to the 301).

But the GL88 runs great, is very cute, and sounds better than many tables I have heard. I love the simplicity and elegance of the mechanical design of this Lenco. Wouldn't want to part with it....

[alanomt]

CL, I see that there was a G99 on Ebay in Aus recently, item 110911016630 (search in completed listings, Goldring G99), sold for AU $565 (approx £372). There are some good pictures of the deck, showing the features of the '99.

Alan

[cats squirrel]

Hmm something to think about.. I was never fussed about the 75s arm though. Maybe I just wait and see what comes up at the right price.
Regards
Chris

the '75 stock arm is not as good as a stock Rega 250 (with the same cartridge) but it can be modified. I changed the headshell (for an ADC one), arm wand for a carbon fibre version, also the stub was replaced and is stuck on, complete with two aluminium counterweights made from cnc parts.

It sounds good enough to me, and is used for mono and shellac records, with an Ortofom OM series cartridge and appropriate stylus. Total cost about £20, not including new v-block bearings. I also re-wired it, in a balanced configuration. It could do with a bit of damping using a trough of oil, which is in the pipeline (pun intended!)

There is huge scope for modifying the deck, even by using the bits on a completely new build, which rival some £1000+ turntables.

[cafe latte]

I am curious how you managed to stick on the rear end as I thought when they started to sag due to the tension wire inside coming loose the arm was a bin job?
Also what is the reason for the original tension wire idea?
Regards
Chris